By: Barbara Rogers Bridges, PhD/Professor*
Barra De Potosi is a small beachfront village located 30 minutes south of Zihuatanejo, Guerrero. Several years ago, local resident Barbara Erickson, a retired businesswoman from the USA, started a women’s cooperative in partnership with the Araceli Oregon family, who are originally from the area.
Araceli Oregon (called “Chely) is an entrepreneur. She is a force to be reckoned with. Chely earned her degree in tourism at UAGro, Zihuatanejo’s tourism university. She once served as the “comensaria” (Commissioner) of the village. Chely learned English and took a bird identification course. I have great admiration for her English as my effort to learn Spanish has been the academic challenge of my life!
Chely is the informal “jefa” (boss) of the cooperative. All decisions are made by its members, which also include Areli Oregon, Esminda Salas, Maria Antonia, Liliana Oregon, Rubicela Oregon, and Lori O’Neill. Chely and the other women in the cooperative started making a wide variety of products like table mats, napkin holders, purses, etc. They share the expenses for the materials and divide their earnings.
The Crazy Rag Doll Project – “Las Locas Muñecas”
As all things do, the doll project evolved when Lori O’Neill, who is a clothing designer, suggested creating rag dolls that were colorful and crazy. It was important that all of the materials needed could be sourced locally and that the dolls could be sewn by hand. This year they added the craziest of dogs.
As all the women collectively trade their ideas, the ”Las Locas Muñecas” project continues to grow. I suggested custom dolls made to look like their owners.
Where to Get Them
You can see everything in Barra de Potosi. The art store that displays the crazy dolls and dogs is right across from Chely’s mom’s restaurant, “Enramada Rosita.” Go to the end of the Barra de Potosi road and follow the curve to the left. You will see the pink building.
For custom dolls or dogs, send two pictures to Chely at arace0382@yahoo.com.mx or to Lori O’Neil at oneilllori@me.com. The cost is 1000 pesos.
How You Can Help
I would encourage anyone who is looking for an opportunity to share their good fortune to gather up all their beads, ribbons and colorful fabrics to share with these women. Post this amazing success story on your social networking sites. Point to this article. Become a supporter in the life of these women entrepreneurs!
Chely shares:
“The dolls have become a big part of our lives. They fill us with joy, magic, and complicity among the people who are part of our community and our lives.”
*About the Author: Dr. Barbara Rogers Bridges has been an artist and a teacher/college professor for almost 40 years. She creates social practice art from fabricated components in a variety of media. http://bridgescreate.com
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